Communicable diseases

Communicable diseases, also known as infectious diseases, are illnesses that can be spread from one person to another, through direct contact, contaminated surfaces, air or animals and insects.

In Australia, these diseases pose a significant public health challenge, but may be preventable through vaccination, hygiene practices and timely medical treatment.

Primary care providers play a key role in educating patients, offering vaccinations, diagnosing and treating communicable diseases, and helping prevent outbreaks through public health measures.

COVID-19

COVID-19
Japanese encephalitis virus

Japanese encephalitis virus
Measles

Measles
Mpox

Mpox
Syphilis

Syphilis
Winter preparedness

Winter preparedness

Additional Murray PHN resources

Other resources

Last Update: November 18th, 2025

Murray PHN acknowledges its catchment crosses over many unceded First Nations Countries, following the Dhelkunya Yaluk (Healing River).

We pay our respects and give thanks to the Ancestors, Elders and Young people for their nurturing, protection and caregiving of these sacred lands and waterways, acknowledging their continuing cultural, spiritual and educational practices.

We are grateful for the sharing of Country and the renewal that Country gives us. We acknowledge and express our sorrow that this sharing has come at a personal, spiritual and cultural cost to the wellbeing of First Nations peoples. We commit to addressing the injustices of colonisation across our catchment, and to listening to the wisdom of First Nations communities who hold the knowledge to enable healing. We extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.